Breathe LA Joins in LA End To Oil Press Conference

Today, BREATHE LA joined with top local elected officials, top environmental champions and notable heroes of the green movement to make a stand to end Los Angeles' addiction to oil. The press conference was hosted by Josh and Rebecca Harrell Tickell, creators of the influential movie, "Fuel," and also included such notable figures as Mayor Villaraigosa, Coucilwoman Perry, Councilman Rosendahl, Actor James Kyson Lee (Heroes), Exxon heiress Lamara Heartwell, Move LA's Denny Zane, and others.

Neal Richman, BREATHE LA director of programs and advocacy, addressed the media and those in attendance about the health effects of our oil addiction in Los Angeles and recommended ways we can be a part of the solution.

"Black tar blanketing our nation's southern coastline is generating national mobilization. And, we must support efforts to clean the sea.  However, just as the Gulf States share the Caribbean basin, we share a common air basin in Southern California. And that air we share contains more pollution than anywhere in the country," Richman said in his remarks.

"Within our county approximately 500,000 adults have asthma, nearly 300,000 children have asthma. Of these 300,000 children, nearly one-third have an emergency room visit each year and nearly half have three or more doctor visits annually."

Breathe LA supports statewide efforts to reduce Greenhouse Gases, not only to fight global warming, but because our addiction to fossil fuels is contributing to many respiratory illnesses and even deaths.  Therefore, we must advocate for the best policies and making the best personal decisions to clean our air.

One of the most important actions Californians can take will be at the ballot box in November by voting against a proposed ballot initiative supported by big oil companies that will hinder the AB32 emissions reduction law.

Breathe LA also encourages people to be proactive by supporting Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's 30-10 program. The program will accelerate local mass transit expansion plans so that we are less reliant on fossil fuels.

"We can't wait until the 30-10 program expands our transit system, we need to act now," Richman said. "Since half of our air pollution comes from cars and trucks, let's drive less, walk or ride a bicycle, carpool and use the transit system that we now have. Our health depends on it."

CLICK BELOW FOR TIPS ON HOW YOU CAN HELP OUT OR CONTACT US TODAY FOR MORE INFO: nrichman@breathela.org